During the 1960's, the "Sexual Revolution" allowed gay and lesbian actors to really show their experiences on stage with an audience that was accepting of both the performance but of them as well. Even though gay and lesbian performers have been seen in theater for a long while, they were only seen on stage performing a stereotype. Once 1975 rolled around, more LGBT shows were being performed for a general audience. Gay and lesbian people were able to move up the ranks within the theater community. More homosexual shows were being written and performed by gay and lesbian writers and actors. Many homosexual people were affected by the AIDS epidemic during the 80's. This outbreak meant that the messages within the plays and musicals had such a stronger meaning behind it. They were performing their struggles and hardships on stage and it came across as a very powerful message.